Dump that Overhead Projector!

Written by Robert F. Abbott

Continued from page 1

Perhaps there should be a 12-step program for getting over overhead projectors. While they're unlikely be an addiction, they can be a crutch, one that allows us to make presentations without adequate thought or preparation.

Personally, I like idea of giving up overheads and projectors altogether. A colleague recently asked if we should use overheads when we do some upcoming presentations together. I expressed my opinion firmly. Need I say what that was?

If you're not ready to give them up, use your overheads in a supporting role. Don't ask them to carry a substantial part of message; you should deliver message, and overheads should reinforce what you say.

For example, if your presentation involves numerical information, a simple bar or line graph might help audience get point. Or, if you're talking about a sequence of events and their order is critical, a numbered list might help.

But best bet may be to go without. Before presentation, think hard about message or messages you want to convey. Boil them down into no more than three points, and then look for stories, analogies, metaphors, and anything else that will illustrate and reinforce each point. Try to create mental images with words, like good radio ads.

In summary, overhead projectors put serious communication barriers between speakers and audiences. Get rid of them. You'll be glad you did - and your audience will, too.

Robert F. Abbott writes and publishes Abbott's Communication Letter. Learn how you can use communication to help achieve your goals, by reading articles or subscribing to this ad-supported newsletter. An excellent resource for leaders and managers, at: http://www.communication-newsletter.com

Phone Fraud

Written by Gianfranco Fracassi

Continued from page 1 After a further 2 minutes you will receive a message informing you that you are not one of lucky winners. The total bill by then will be £100. Since calls are originated from outside UK, BT and other telephone companies are left relatively powerless to act. The only save solution is to HANG UP before message prompt you to dial 9. Even safer HANG UP on any unsolicited “free offers calls”. There is another scam operating on mobile phones as well. A missed call comes up. The number is 0709 020 3840, latest four number may vary, but certainly first for will remain same. If you call this number back you will be charged £50 per minute. People have complained about their phone bills, once they have realised cost of call, but apparently this is completely legal. So beware, do not call back numbers beginning with 0709.

Gianfranco Fracassi is the webmaster of two popular free stuff web sites. You can find many subjects that will interest you. Check out this web sites at: http://www.isjustfree.com or htpp://www.freestuff4net.com